Project Report
| Jul 26, 2012
Ryan House Shining Star
By Nancy Flores | Project Leader
![Caroline]()
Caroline
Jim and Karrie Pierson have been blessed with four wonderful children, Katherine, Joe, Caroline and Anna. Caroline and Anna were born with a rare, undiagnosed genetic disorder causing their brains to stop growing around 20 weeks gestation. “Our sweet Anna passed away at just 5-years-old and Caroline cannot walk, talk or eat orally and struggles with seizures, muscle spasms and visual impairment, but her smile is contagious!” Jim said.
“Jim and I joined the Ryan House Board so we can help others understand the importance of taking time to nurture yourself and care for every precious relationship in your life,” Karrie said. “The Ryan House Care Team is the most knowledgeable in the country for pediatric palliative care and we are proud to be part of this amazing organization.”
Links:
![Share on Twitter]()
![Share on Facebook]()
Apr 25, 2012
Ryan House Shining Star
By Nancy Flores | Project Leader
![Donovan]()
Donovan
An infectious laugh and love of music is what you’ll encounter when you meet 5-year-old Donovan. You’d never know he was born at one pound, 11 ounces along with his identical twin, Darrius, who passed away at just 6-days-old. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Cortical Visual Impairment, severe mental retardation and prone to seizures, Donovan never learned to walk or crawl, and will never develop fine motor skills.
“The qualified staff at Ryan House not only provides respite and peace of mind, but they know me! I call three to four times a day and that is ok!” mom, Toya, said. Donovan loves the sensory room and hydrotherapy pool–things he doesn’t get at home and his journal is FULL of loving notes from the staff. “Sometimes parents, especially a single parent, needs a break and may not even realize it until they have one,” she said. “I don’t know what I would do without Ryan House. I don’t know how I did it without it.”
Links:
![Share on Twitter]()
![Share on Facebook]()
Feb 7, 2012
Ryan House Shining Star
By Nancy Flores | Project Leader
![Ryan Photo]()
Ryan Photo
Ryan House Shining Star: Ryan
Jonathan and Holly Cottor learned their youngest son, Ryan, was not just a “late bloomer,” but was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. There is no treatment or cure for SMA and they were told that 80% of children diagnosed before their first birthday would likely not survive to their second birthday. “We were told to take Ryan home and enjoy the time we had with him,” said Jonathan. “We felt devastated, shocked, and anxious about what the days or months ahead would bring.”
“We felt as though we’d hit a wall both physically and emotionally,” Holly said. “Ryan House is not only a dream come true for our family, but for the over 4,000 children diagnosed with life-threatening conditions in Maricopa County, Arizona. Ryan is not only the Ryan of Ryan House, but a frequent visitor who looks forward to his next stay so he can play games with friends, and be spoiled by every member of the Ryan House team!”
Links:
![Share on Twitter]()
![Share on Facebook]()
